United Way to launch Day of Action to Benefit Local Community
The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties is launching their Day of Action. On and around June 21, volunteers will go into Columbia and Montour Counties to help local nonprofits in their areas of need. The goal is to provide local residents with the opportunity to make a difference in their community.
“Due to COVID-19, many partner agencies had to put off projects due to safety concerns or because their focus was on running the organization,” said Adrienne Mael, President/CEO of United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties. “With restrictions easing, it felt like the perfect year to support our agencies in a new way. We hope this Day of Action will grow into an annual tradition.”
United Way reached out to their partner agencies to see where they needed support, and if they could fulfill any “wish lists” for their organizations. Seven nonprofits responded with twelve different projects they are looking to complete. The projects range from planting and weeding gardens, sanding, staining, and painting projects, building planter boxes, organizing storage units, and even some longer-term data entry projects.
Any individual interested in participating in United Way’s Day of Action can sign-up at https://cmcuw.org/volunteer-signups. Simply select your areas of interest, and United Way will match you to a project!
There are three different opportunities to participate in a Day of Action starting Saturday, June 19, 2021, through Monday, June 21, 2021. Volunteers are welcome to sign-up for one or all three days depending on your capacity and availability. Children under 14 years of age are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
As a new initiative, the hope is this will grow into an annual volunteer opportunity for community residents to come alongside our local nonprofits to be part of solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives.
Pictured from left to right: Dennis Piatt (Senior Maintenance Technician), Lesley Yeich (Maintenance Technician), Craig Reinard (Seasonal Maintenance Technician), Hannah Reavy (intern), Doug Fought (Seasonal Maintenance Technician), and Bob Stoudt (Director). Not pictured: Jon Beam (Assistant Director/Naturalist)
More than 430 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and the region. Increased membership allows the Chamber to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives. The Chamber welcomes Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate.
Continuously operating in Northeast Pennsylvania since 1934, the company is a leader in the brokerage of all types of commercial and industrial real estate in the NEPA Market, serving international, national, regional, and local clients. Its primary service area includes Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties.
For more information on Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate visit its website, Facebook page or call 570-207-4100.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
In a statement, PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr noted that over the past several months, despite Pennsylvania’s high unemployment rate and rising wages, a large number of employers – across a broad spectrum of industries – have reported difficulties filling open positions. As a result, employers have been forced to reduce hours or even close operations. Many are pointing to policies related to unemployment compensation exacerbating these challenges, including the continued waiving of the work search requirement and the additional $300 in weekly federal benefit payments. Barr referenced a recent study by the American Action Forum found that an estimated 40 percent of unemployment compensation claimants are making more in benefits than they were in wages. To date, 24 states have ended their participation in the enhanced federal benefit program in order to encourage the transition of individuals back into the workforce.
“Despite claims to the contrary, the impacts of the enhanced federal unemployment benefits are not negligible,” Barr said. “Rather than just continuing these policies that have outlived their purpose, we encourage the Wolf administration to follow the lead of other states that are implementing innovative solutions to help encourage employment and connect unemployed Pennsylvanians with hiring employers. House Bill 508, for example, would phase out federal benefit enhancements and create a return-to-work grant for workers who transition back into the workforce.”
As part of the Bringing PA Back initiative, the PA Chamber is asking the business community to provide testimonials describing the challenges they are facing trying to fill open positions. We encourage you to participate in this effort. Click here to access the online form.
Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced that the commonwealth’s mask order will be lifted by June 28.
“After reviewing the vaccination data for people 18 and over and discussing it with the COVID-19 Vaccine Legislative Task Force, we have determined that the commonwealth’s mask order can be lifted on June 28 or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “Pennsylvanians are realizing that they have the power to stop COVID-19 and they are stepping up to get vaccinated.”
“Yesterday we hit a milestone with 70 percent of adults receiving at least one dose of vaccine,” she said. “That’s a strong indicator that we are on track to get at least that many getting both doses by the end of June.”
“The Department of Health will continue to make getting a vaccine as convenient as possible by making it widely available and supporting equitable and effective efforts to reach every Pennsylvanian who wants it.”
All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, also known as Vaccine Finder.
Once the statewide masking order is lifted, Pennsylvania will continue to follow the CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC requires individuals to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.
1st Annual Kathleen Deegan Hughes Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Over $50,000 to help fight Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC)
On Saturday May 8th, friends and family gathered at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, for the 1st Annual Kathleen Deegan Hughes Memorial Golf Tournament. Service 1st Federal Credit Union was honored to be the primary sponsor for the event. The golf outing raised over $50,000 to fund research to one day find a cure for Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC).
“Our family is beyond grateful for the generosity and support from this amazing community,” said John Deegan, Kathleen’s brother. “The outpouring of love is a true testament to the impact that Kathleen had on every single person that she met.”
In addition to raising funds, the tournament celebrated Kathleen’s resilience and charismatic spirit. Kathleen, the youngest of four siblings, grew up in Danville and was a graduate of Bloomsburg University and a member of Service 1st. Kathleen died in January 2020 at the age of 29 after battling ACC.
John also shared Kathleen’s message, “Abnormal symptoms in your body are not something you should ignore. Seeing a doctor right away is worth your time. Following up on your health can change your life. Be proactive and make your health your top priority. Please share this message with your loved ones, because you never know… you could end up saving their life.”
Over 108 volunteers and golfers participated in the inaugural golf outing.
ACC is a rare cancer affecting less than one per one million people in the United States per year.
All proceeds from the Tournament benefited the ACC Warriors Fund.
If you would like to make a donation, payments may be made via check to the ACC Warriors, and mailed to: ACC Warriors c/o The Deegans, 30 N Glenbrook Ave., Danville PA 17821. To learn more visit: https://www.kathleenhughes.org/acc-awareness.
For more information, contact Service 1st today at 800.562.6049 or visit www.service1.org.
CPWDC Rebrands to Advance Central PA
The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC), the local Workforce Development Board (WDB) for the Central Pennsylvania region, announced today that it has rebranded to Advance Central PA. The rebrand to Advance Central PA reflects a very positive, forward-thinking organization that expresses how the local Workforce Development Board works tirelessly to move the Central Pennsylvania region forward.
As the premiere workforce development resource for jobseekers and employers, Advance Central PA’s mission is to be the leading vehicle for regional unification, coordination, integration, and alignment of workforce activities, resources, and initiatives to support economic sustainability, improve education systems, and develop and retain a quality labor force.
“We are excited about the new name and the new resources that we will provide as Advance Central PA,” said Erica Mulberger, Executive Director. “Our new name and identity reflects our commitment to leading a market-driven workforce system that meets the needs of employers and workers, and helps Central Pennsylvanians prosper.”
Along with the name change, Advance Central PA released a new logo design and new website that echo the Workforce Development Board’s continued progress in cultivating emerging industries, supporting existing businesses, and enhancing the skills development of the Central Pennsylvania workforce while taking advantage of strategic opportunities provided by swift economic change.
Visit www.AdvanceCentralPA.org to explore the new website, brand, and logo design.
Public comment welcome on transportation priorities plan
Starting May 24 through June 22, those living or working in eight counties have the opportunity to comment on a draft plan thatcentra prioritizes transportation investments in the region from now until 2045.
The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has created the draft 2021-2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan on behalf of its eight member counties: Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union.
Through SEDA-COG, counties and municipalities in central Pennsylvania have a voice in the state’s transportation plans. Working together with SEDA-COG, groups and individuals representing local government, the business community, and non-profit organizations help to establish the region’s transportation priorities.
There will be a special opportunity to comment and ask questions at a 1-hour virtual public meeting and information session starting at 7 p.m. on June 3.
The meeting can be joined via teleconference or videoconference using the following credentials:
Teleconference: 312-626-6799; Conference ID: 963 9794 1377
Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/96397941377
If accommodations are needed for those with special needs related to language, sight, or hearing, please contact the SEDA-COG MPO at 570-524-4491 a minimum of five days prior to the scheduled meeting date to allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations.
Those who want to submit comments may send them via email to lrtp@seda-cog.org; fax to 570-524-9190; submitted online through https://bit.ly/345O8UQ; or mailed or dropped off at SEDA-COG, 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 (in care of Don Kiel).
Comments must be received by 4 p.m. June 22 and must include the name and address of the individual submitting the comment(s) to be considered in the update process by the SEDA-COG MPO.
The SEDA-COG MPO will consider adoption of the plan at a public meeting at 9:30 a.m. June 25 via teleconference and videoconference.
An electronic version of the draft plan is available at http://bit.ly/sedalrtp. Hard copies of the document are also available for review during normal business hours at the SEDA-COG MPO office, and other locations throughout the MPO’s eight-county region. A listing of these locations and their addresses may be viewed at http://bit.ly/sedalrtp, or may be requested by email at lrtp@seda-cog.org or 570-524-4491.
As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Last week, Pennsylvania became the first state to put limits on gubernatorial emergency powers in order to restore checks and balances between the branches of government. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, state legislatures across the country have been considering restricting the scope and reach of gubernatorial powers during states of emergency.
In a ballot referendum, voters approved two changes to the state’s constitution as it relates to a governor’s emergency powers. The first measure gives the General Assembly the ability to end or extend an emergency disaster declaration by a simple majority vote. The second measure would limit emergency disaster declarations to 21 days, but would allow the General Assembly to approve an extension via a concurrent resolution. Prior to these changes, governors could issue an emergency declaration for up to 90 days and extend it indefinitely and the General Assembly could only end a declaration by a 2/3 majority vote.
Over the past year, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate were often at loggerheads with Gov. Tom Wolf over his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration’s mitigation efforts – including the business shutdown order and subsequent waiver process; targeted restrictions for the hospitality industry and closure of in-person schooling – had been heavily criticized by legislative Republicans, who also accused the governor of acting unilaterally and without sufficient consultation of legislative and local leaders. After several attempts to circumvent the governor’s orders legislatively – which resulted in vetoes by the governor – the General Assembly moved forward with the proposed changes to the constitution. In order to amend the state constitution, the exact same legislative language must be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before going before the voters in a ballot referendum.
The PA Chamber had supported the constitutional amendments as a way to restore checks and balances to the emergency declaration process. In addition, The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors had joined with groups across the state in encouraging people to vote yes.
The governor had strongly opposed the constitutional amendments, but acknowledged last week the majority of voters disagreed with him.
“There’s no question that I opposed this…But the voters have spoken, and Pennsylvania wants to change the rules. And I think it’s incumbent upon us to the best we possibly can to make those rules work,” he said in an interview with the Associated Press.
This past Thursday the governor renewed his COVID-19 emergency declaration for the fifth time, but said he was engaged in conversations with the legislative leaders on a path forward.
rabbittransit has initiated a new designated stop service for the counties of Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia and Northumberland. There are designated stops along currently traveled routes for rabbittransit’s shared ride public transportation. The cost is only $2.00 per trip.
Designated stops travel along the following routes: Bloomsburg-Danville, Bloomsburg-Bloomsburg Walmart, Danville-Northumberland, Mifflinburg-Lewisburg, Orangeville-Berwick, the Selinsgrove area, Selinsgrove-Lewisburg, and Sunbury-Selinsgrove.
Riders are required to schedule an advance reservation to ride. Reservations must be made by 12:00 pm the business day prior to the date of travel. To schedule a reservation, call the rabbittransit Call Center at 1-800-632-9063.
More information can be found here.
Work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment benefits will restart no later than the week of July 11, with individuals to begin certifying on July 18 that they have looked for work during the previous week. Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier made the announcement on Monday, May 24th. Legislation is currently advancing through both the House and Senate that would reinstitute the requirement sooner.
Under the current L&I timeline, beginning July 18, individuals receiving benefits through any unemployment program in Pennsylvania (including Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) will need to certify each week that during the previous week they fulfilled the work search requirement by applying for two jobs and participating in one work search activity each week.
Eligible work search activities are:
- Attending a job fair
- Searching positions posted on the PA CareerLink® system or Internet job banks
- Creating or posting a résumé in the PA CareerLink® system or posting a résumé in other résumé-posting services
- Contacting colleagues, former co-workers or other individuals in similar professions or occupations to make known your availability for employment or obtain information about available positions, prospective employers or other employment opportunities
- Utilizing an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service
- Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment test
- Participating in a program or activity offered through the PA CareerLink® system. If you live outside of Pennsylvania, you may participate in these types of activities offered by your state employment service.
Unemployment program benefit recipients are also required to accept an offer of suitable work. Individuals are also required to keep a log of their work search activities, which is subject to audit. A form to log work search activities is on L&I’s website.
More information about work search, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on L&I’s website.
From McKonly and Asbury
Are you unsure if your company’s retirement plan requires an audit? According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, a retirement plan must be audited if it meets certain requirements as laid out by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the federal law which establishes standards for retirement plans in the private industry and helps protect the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries. Although some plans are exempt from ERISA (e.g., governmental plans and church plans), a majority of plans are subject to its reporting requirements, including:
- Defined benefit plans
- Defined contribution plans (e.g., profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, employee stock ownership plans, and 403(b) plans)
- Welfare benefit plans (insured or otherwise) providing health insurance, group life insurance, long-term disability income, severance pay, vacation benefits and other benefits
- Health Reimbursements Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
The penalties for late filing of a properly prepared Form 5500 are significant: IRS penalties are $25 per day, up to a maximum of $15,000, and Department of Labor (DOL) penalties can run up to $1,100 per day, with no maximum. To avoid these penalties, you need to know if your plan requires an audit.
Generally speaking, only when your participant count exceeds 100 will you be required to conduct a benefit plan audit. However, there is one exception to this general rule. Under the “80-120 rule,” as it is commonly known, plans are allowed to file Form 5500s as “small” plans, and do not require an audit, as long as their plan does not exceed 120 eligible participants on the first day of the plan year. Once the plan has exceeded 120 eligible participants at the beginning of a plan year, the plan is considered to be a “large” plan and must have annual audits completed in succeeding years. If the plan would ever fall below 100 eligible participants at the beginning of a following plan year, the plan could then again file as a small plan and no audit would be required.
It is important to note that a company can easily have 120 or more eligible participants, but have less than 120 current employees, so the terminology of the 80-120 rule is key. Eligible participants include all employees who are eligible to contribute to the plan, not just employees that actually contribute or have account balances. Eligibility requirements vary from plan-to-plan and plan administrators should be knowledgeable of their plan’s definition of eligibility, constantly monitoring the number of “eligible” participants to ensure they do not require annual audits.
As mentioned above, retirement plans that are filed as “large” plans on Form 5500 must be audited by an external and independent accounting firm. These audits ensure that you are operating your retirement plan in accordance with DOL and IRS requirements. While you, as the plan owners, will always have fiduciary duty over your plan no matter its size, an external audit can provide that extra level of assurance that you are acting in your participants’ best interests.
For plans that do require annual audits, audited financial statements are required to be submitted with the Form 5500, Annual Return of Employee Benefit Plans, on the last day of the seventh month after the plan year end. There is an optional extension of 2 ½ months.
If your company is approaching the 120-participant threshold, it’s important to become familiar with the plan audit process. Financial statement audits of retirement plans are heavily compliance-driven. While the external accounting firm will audit the financial statements and disclosures, most of their time will be spent testing compliance. This includes:
- Participant eligibility
- Timing of contributions to the plan
- Plan compensation
- Disclosure of prohibited transactions
- Other compliance matters applicable to the plan
To prepare for your first audit, make sure you are compliant with your plan document and with DOL and IRS rules. In addition, begin to gather the myriad of documents that the auditor will request, including the plan document and amendments, participant data (census, contribution detail, distribution detail, loan detail, etc.), investment information details, payroll records, minutes of meetings related to the plan, nondiscrimination testing, and identification of any communications from the DOL. Finally, consider partnering with a fiduciary to administer your retirement plan. A fiduciary will help you comply with regulatory requirements and minimize the risk of future audits revealing problems with your plan. This will make your annual audits even easier!
If you have questions about the information outlined above, our seasoned and experienced employee benefit plan professionals are here to help. You can learn more about our Employee Benefit Plan services by visiting our website and don’t hesitate to contact Dan Sturm, Partner & Director of ERISA Services at dsturm@macpas.com.
More than 430 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and the region. Increased membership allows the Chamber to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives. The Chamber welcomes The Gate House Shelter.
The Gate House was founded in 1997 to provide safe shelter to homeless families. It provides a secure environment to residents in Montour and Columbia Counties. The support and emergency services that are provided are a direct solution to families who are facing personal crises to include but are not limited to; abandonment, divorce, illness, accidents such as fire, flood, rent increases, or evictions.
For more information on The Gate House Shelter visit its website, Facebook page or call 570-275-6766.